April is all about kids, and the Central Coast is ready to celebrate children and families during child abuse prevention month. First 5 San Luis Obispo County and all of its partners invite you to save the date for just a few of many events dedicated to the youngest citizens and honoring their value to our community:
SLO County Proclamation
Join the community-wide commemoration on Tuesday, April 5 at 9 a.m. in the Government Center located on 1055 Monterey St., room D-170, as the San Luis Obispo County board of supervisors officially proclaims April as “Month of the Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month.” This local event takes place even as state lawmakers convene with early childhood coalitions for Advocacy Day at the Capitol.
Wear Blue Day
Wear your blue suede shoes or anything else blue to help raise awareness of child abuse and the critical role that family-strengthening organizations play in preventing it on Friday, April 8. Be part of this national movement for kids, and don’t forget to post a photo of you and your family, friends and colleagues wearing your true blue attire on Facebook and Twitter all month long using #wearblue4kids!
On Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., more than 70 community resource agencies, vendors and exhibitors across SLO County will be in Mission Plaza in downtown San Luis Obispo for the 38th annual fun, family tradition that includes a variety of entertainment, activities and giveaways. Once again, ART Obispo’s Passport to the Arts will provide hands-on visual, literary and interactive arts —as well as youth performances! Make some new memories with your little ones at First 5 SLO County’s booth featuring Talk.Read.Sing.® prizes and materials!
Hands-on Heroes & Champions of Youth Awards Dinner
On Tuesday, April 19 at 6 p.m. come to Moutainbrook Community Church located on 1775 Calle Joaquin in San Luis Obispo to recognize members of the community who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of children, each and every day. The evening includes tributes from Congresswoman Lois Capps, the offices of Senator Bill Monning, Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian, and the SLO County board of supervisors. Guests will also enjoy entertainment by Central Coast Gymnastics (during this Olympic year!) and “A Big Dream In A Little Person,” a youth performance group based in Paso Robles. KSBY News Anchor Dan Shadwell will serve as emcee.
Additional local children and family-focused community events:
Oceano Children’s Day is on Sunday, April 24, and will be hosted at the Oceano Community Center from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Morro Bay Health for the Community event will take place on Sunday, May 15, and will be hosted by Dignity Health and the Latino Health Coalition at the Morro Bay Fire Station from noon to 4 p.m.
Please join First 5 San Luis Obispo County for Atascadero Children’s Day in the park on Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Atascadero Lake Park and show your continued commitment to the children of San Luis Obispo County.
First 5 San Luis Obispo County allocates funds and advocates for quality programs and services, supporting children prenatal to age 5, to ensure that every child is healthy and ready to learn in school. First 5 SLO supports local programs that assure children in San Luis Obispo County thrive in nurturing, respectful environments that lead to future success.